Daily Photo Tour - Walt Disney's Railroad Story

It's no secret how much we love the Disneyland Railroad. If you don't count the Monorail outside the gates, it's the first ride you see when you enter Disneyland and it will take you all around the Park on a grand circle tour. Many don't realize how much Walt loved trains or how much they inspired the Park that's been a source of joy and inspiration to all the world for over half a century. This piece of track, known as a crossover, is the last known piece of Walt's working model railroad called the Carolwood Pacific, that ran in his backyard in Holmby Hills. Sometime next month, this piece, along with some other amazing DLRR memorabilia, will head back to its home at Walt's Barn. If you've never heard of Walt's Barn, located in Griffith Park, or the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society, you should check them out, especially if you consider yourself a Disney buff. You should also check out the book from which I've borrowed my title tonight, Walt Disney's Railroad Story by Michael Broggie.

Daily Photo Tour - Coming Down the Track

We've always loved the Disneyland Railroad but that love and appreciation grew tremendously as we made our DLRR short film. It was so exciting to see The Disney Gallery open its doors to feature the trains of Disney and every bit deserved. Wandering through the Gallery, as we often do, there are so many gorgeous works of art to take in and so many relics of the rich history of Walt Disney's love of trains and their centrality to Disney Parks. This model train is just one piece of that tribute.

Daily Photo Tour - The Mary Blair Exhibit

It's a tradition of ours to stop by the Disney Gallery as soon as we pass through the turnstiles. The work of so many incredibly talented artists inspires us to see things in a different way and gets us hyped to spend the day shooting. This area of the gallery is currently dedicated to the incredible Mary Blair, who has a style all her own. If you get a chance to stop by, it is well worth it.

Daily Photo Tour - The Colors of Mary Blair

The first place we stop every time we enter the park is The Disney Gallery. The amazing work of all the incredibly talented artists featured in the Gallery are inspiring to say the least. This month they opened a new exhibit featuring artist Mary Blair. She was the first woman to be honored as a Disney Legend in 1991. Her art is very unique and truly exquisite. If you haven't already had the opportunity to see it, I strongly suggest you do!

Daily Photo Tour - Captain Hook's Galley

Every time I walk in Disneyland I have to visit the Disney Gallery. It's such a wonderful experience to view someone's time and effort displayed in all its wonder. One of my favorite artists is Jim Crouch. He has a unique style that really stands out. There is something about the blending of certain colors that really attracts me to his paintings. I really can't put my finger on it, but there is a true sense of fantasy in all of his pieces. In this piece, Jim Crouch captures the feeling of Neverland, and Captain Hooks Pirate Ship, in a fantastic array of color and tone. When I first saw it in the Disney Gallery I knew right away it was a Jim Crouch painting. Jim really does a great job capturing the mystery, magic, and dreamlike essence of Neverland.

Daily Photo Tour - The Disney Gallery

Imagine for me, if you will, that you work for The Walt Disney Company. Now let's pretend that you have been told to search the warehouses and find a specific crate and send it into the garbage. Wouldn't you want to open it!? Wouldn't you want to see what kind of Disney artifacts they are throwing away. And if they are tossin' them, then I'm sure old Walt wouldn't mind if you snagged a few souvenirs for yourself? Right? I mean, you've put in your time. Well, one real cast member couldn't help themselves but to open the crate. And oh boy did they find something interesting. It so happens that they came across a original model of Sleeping Beauty Castle that imagineers had thought had been lost forever. The finding of this triggered an all out man-hunt to open every crate they ever thought was bootless. Disneyland's very own treasure hunt. A lot of the items you see in The Disney Gallery at Disneyland have been found from this search. And of course, the castle that started it all is on display.